In Search of Pipe Dreams

I enjoyed this book on my Kindle. While I was hoping for a broader scope directed toward the average pipe smoker (like myself) , I instead found this book to be very much focused upon the collector of top shelf pipes which are far beyond the financial reach of almost all brothers of the briar. That being said, it was still very interesting to see 'how the other half lives'; those who can afford pipe collections in the hundreds if not thousands of 'pieces' often costing several thousands of dollars per pipe! There is not a thing in the world wrong with that, by the way. However, for me personally, I was hoping for something more on pipe smoking, perhaps a bit of history and such directed toward the more average pipe afficianado wishing to grow in understanding of this delightful pastime.The description of the book was not clear to me about it's focus. In a way, this was fortunate, because I would not have downloaded the book, yet because I did I've gained insight into a world far beyond my world of refurbishing old briar to enjoy a small rotation of good pipes. It was like taking a Bedouin - accustomed to an entire life in a desert - to the local 'Water World' type amusement park and giving him ice in every drink between water slides and such!Well done! Fine writing , good humor and frankly the introduction and closing comments are so well written that they alone are worth the price along with the very practical and balanced insights into the resurgence of anti-tobacco hysteria, where much of the actual science which has been surpressed relating to pipe smokers and their enhanced lives is shown to have been (knowingly) surpressed in order to facilitate more governmental control of our lives.A Good Read while in quiet contemplation with pipe in hand ->Ray

Yup it’s worth the buy. Must have for us pipe smokers that also have a book collecting disorder to add with the pipe n tobacco

Rick Newcombe is one of the pipe-smoking hobby’s great Apostles, always eager to share his broad wealth of knowledge and opinion, and just as ready to listen. This new audio edition, even more than the earlier audio edition of Still Searching for Pipe Dreams, brings home Newcombe’s gifts as apologist and enthusiast for our small but growing tribe. The original book, historically valuable in its own right in helping shape the current direction of the hobby, is brought up to date and expanded by more than half of its original length with the addition of bonus material prefacing each chapter, in addition to a few chapters exclusive to the audio. His words, when attended to, go far beyond his own predilection for Danish and other high-grade artisan pipes, moving to the heart of pipe-smoking: the smoking qualities of the pipes themselves and how they repay those who smoke them with countless hours of relaxation and enjoyment. The addition of new interviews by legendary pipe-makers Lars Ivarrson and Jess Chonowitsch makes even more clear that what’s important is how a pipe smokes, not who smokes it or how much it costs. Newcombe might as easily have championed factory pipes or Italian pipes, but his own biography and interests led him long ago to the Danish. The mistake many people make is to assume Newcombe believes these marques should be the standard, when in fact he is preaching just the opposite: every pipeman his pipe. In this regard, he’s as much a contemplative as an activist, insisting always for tolerance, understanding and self-awareness as the best avenues to enjoy and appreciate the many benefits of pipe-smoking. Highly recommended.

If you smoke a pipe you should read this book. It was I book that I picked up on a whim and will not part with. It is less of a book, rather more of an anthology of Rick Newcombe's articles over the years. Yet it reads like a book or at least it did for me. It cover's ever angle of the Pipe life. He does spend a lot of time talking about some rather high end pieces. At the same time he has a way making you feel like you are with him as he travels the world and meets many different pipe makers. It is a journey through the pipe collecting world. I have been smoking a pipe for over thirty years myself and I still picked up a few tidbits here and there reading this marvelous book.

I'm sure I'm in the majority; those of us who enjoy smoking a pipe, but could never imagine spending $1000 on one (or more than a few hundred for me). This book mainly discusses those extremely expensive pieces, but in the authors defense, he claims to smoke them, so whatever floats his boat. There is also really good political commentary, discussion on pipe mechanics, and the book is nicely written and easy to read. If you want something nice to read about how the rich people enjoy their pipe tobacco, this is your book. If you resent the uber wealthy contingent of pipe smokers, this book might cause fits of rage for you. I'm a tolerant guy, I enjoyed it.

I liked this book very much. I am a new pipe smoker and this book had some very good information about the anatomy of a pipe and how to smoke it with the best results. How to keep it lit longer, prevent tongue bite, and sustain a light. I also appreciated the stories of the artisans who make pipes. Written very well and takes you around the world of pipe makers and pipe smokers.

While this book is on the surface an homage to the finest pipes in the world, it contains a wealth of knowledge for any pipe enthusiast. I am by no means a pipe collector, but I eagerly devoured all of the knowledge the author laid out. I really want to meet this guy and sit down and smoke a pipe with him! Thank you for an amazing collection of essays!

An outstanding read for both the novice and experienced pipe smoker alike. Mr. Newcombe gives a wide and detailed overview of pipes and then men behind some of the best. His advice about opening pipes is spot on, as I have opened a few of mine to his specifications while reading this book. To my delight they all now smoke like a dream...the only problem is I now have to do this for 100 more!

Used. For entertainment and information. A bit gossipy. An editor may help

筆者は、紙巻きたばこよさようなら、という感じで、パイプはいかにすばらしいかを切々と説いています。確かに、紙が燃えるにおいや、化学添加物のにおいで、煙草本来の芳香が消えてしまう紙巻きたばこはパイプを愛する喫煙家とは相いれないものかもしれません。また、喫煙はしないがパイプを集めるのが趣味という方もおられます。有名なパイプ作家を多数紹介しているのも、とても面白いところです。吸ってもよし、集めてもよし、本当に趣味になりうる素晴らしいパイプを十分に堪能させてくれる本です。

As a beginner I founded very informative and also entertaining

Great Book

This book overall is about high end pipe collecting. By pipe collecting I mean thousands of dollars for one pipe. Some of the high end pipe makers don’t even smoke tobacco. If you own a Roles Royce, are a member at a high end country club and rub shoulders with high society, this book is for you. If you drive a Ford and own a cob, keep walking. This is a VIP area.